‘Vahan’ To Improve Sabarimala’s Infrastructure: Cabinet Approves SPV For Developing Pilgrimage Facilities

In a bid to increase facilities for devotees and improve basic infrastructure at the Sabarimala temple, the Kerala cabinet has approved the creation of a special purpose vehicle (SPV) aimed at the same, reports The New Indian Express.

The SPV will develop facilities for pilgrims at Sabarimala, Pamba, Nilakkal and several other locations used for transit, in accordance with the Sabarimala masterplan.

The entity will be run on a no-profit basis and will aim to complete projects under its aegis in a timely manner, using budgetary funds as well as additional money authorised to be used by the Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board (KIIFB).

The chairman of the SPV’s governing body will be the chief secretary, while department secretaries will be members. The convener will be the Travancore Devaswom Board Commissioner.

The company would also have an implementation committee which would have the Devaswom principal secretary as its chairman and the Devasom Board Commissioner as the convener.

Currently, the budgetary allocation for several development projects for Sabarimala is Rs 739 crore. As there are around eight months left before the pilgrimage season commences, the development work for pilgrims will be completed on a priority basis. The state government is also looking to make sure that the constructions are eco-friendly and conform to the idea of a forest temple.